US and Filipino soldiers are seen on a boat during a joint mock beachfront assault on the shore of Ulugan Bay on Palawan island in April 2012. The Philippines says it has secured a pledge from its key military ally, the United States, that it would protect it from attacks in the South China Sea

US and Filipino soldiers are seen on a boat during a joint mock beachfront assault on the shore of Ulugan Bay on Palawan island in April 2012. The Philippines says it has secured a pledge from its key military ally, the United States, that it would protect it from attacks in the South China Sea